Sometime in that first, much-delayed Rockets practice, with Kevin McHale running a training camp for the first time and the NBA lockout slipping to a bitter memory, guard Kyle Lowry could raise his right hand and shape it into a "C" in a reflex action.

He already likes the idea of it.

When the NBA begins its rushed training camps and preseason Dec. 9, the Rockets will face the additional challenge of getting used to a new coach, staff and possibly system. But when they looked ahead to the start of workouts, there was reason to hope the Rockets could be well-positioned to deal with half a training camp.

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LIMITED TIME FRAME

How teams with new coaches fared in the NBA lockout-shortened season of 1999:

Team New coach 1997-98 record 1999 record

Chicago Tim Floyd 62-20 13-37

Denver Mike D'Antoni 11-71 14-36

L.A. Clippers Chris Ford 17-65 9-41

Milwaukee George Karl 36-46 28-22

Sacramento Rick Adelman 27-55 27-23

Seattle Paul Westphal 61-21 25-25

They have a new coach, but McHale said he has long admired Rick Adelman's corner offense - the result of the "C" Lowry called perhaps more than the rest of the Rockets' sets combined - and would like to use it. Teams will be forced to spend the start of camp assembling rosters, but the Rockets could have as many as 10 players from last season under contract.

"It's going to be a challenge," Lowry said. "Every team will be challenged. But we have a good nucleus and I think an understanding of what we're doing.

"We have a new coach, but if he still wants to run corner, we ran corner a lot. That's our flow-in offense. I think we'll keep a lot of it. Our goal is to jump on people to start the season, and that might help us."

There are many collective bargaining steps to be completed before McHale blows a whistle, ranging from the completion of negotiations to the reforming of the union to vote. But players can look forward to competing again.

Rockets players spoke of their desire to have their lone free agent, Chuck Hayes, back. There were hopes free agency might bring a much-needed center. Most of all, they hoped the abbreviated preseason will not lead to another slow start.

"It might be a little different for us because we have a new coach," forward Chase Budinger said. "We have to get used to his coaching and how he wants us to play. Training camp will be very important for us."

Those who experienced the previous lockout-rushed preseason said the key is to have a team of veterans.

Veterans adjust better

"I was with the Lakers then, and we liked it," Robert Horry said. "It wasn't hard on us. It's a big difference when you have a veteran team. There are so many more charity games now, and guys do more to stay in shape. As long as they stayed in shape, I think the veteran teams will be fine."

Assuming players don't need the full training camp to get in shape, the more experienced teams tend to better handle a short preseason and reduced in-season practice time.

"It was tough for me coming to a new team," Marcus Camby said. "But the Knicks were a veteran ballclub with Patrick (Ewing), L.J. (Larry Johnson) and Allan Houston. It's all about basketball once you get out there on the court."

66-game schedule

Veterans might like the idea of not having to practice as often, but playing a condensed schedule could be especially difficult for older players who show the wear that comes from years in the NBA. The revised 66-game schedule to be released this week will include between one and three sets of three games in three nights and two extra games each month.

The Rockets have seven players under contract with at least two years of experience, and only one, Luis Scola, 31, who is at least 30 years old. To the Rockets, the key to dealing with a rapid preseason will be how quickly they adjust to a new coach to start a short season better than they did last season.

"We're all used to playing together," Kevin Martin said. "You never know who else they will bring in.

"We know our position of need. Chuck is a free agent, and I'd love to have my little big man back. He's a big piece of the puzzle also."